Jordan Love was hit hard multiple times during Saturday night’s showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, ultimately resulting in his exit after being ruled out with a concussion. While the loss of their starter is a blow, the Packers can take solace in having a battle-tested backup ready to take the reins.
Currently atop Green Bay’s QB depth chart is Malik Willis, who has already proven his ability to step in and keep the offense moving this season. Heading into the matchup against Chicago, Willis had recorded one touchdown and 13 passing yards in limited action. The team will now need to rely on his mobility and poise as they navigate Love’s absence.
“The hit by Austin Booker that resulted in Jordan Love’s concussion was certainly illegal. It makes no difference under the rules that Love lowered his head before absorbing the hit. To characterize the hit as anything beyond illegal is difficult because that involves intent,” wrote Mark Maske of The Washington Post on X following Love’s exit.
Can the Packers make the playoffs without Love?
If Love is unable to return, the Packers face a complicated road ahead. While they currently hold a 79% playoff probability, which keeps them in the hunt, relying on Willis and his limited experience as the starter likely makes the path much more difficult.
The hit on Love was exceptionally hard, and Maske wasn’t the only one voicing a strong opinion against the Bears on social media. Other analysts and writers were equally vocal, including Gery Woelfel, who noted the impact of Austin Booker’s hit on the Packers’ quarterback.
“Kudos to FOX’s Howie Long for calling out the Bears Austin Booker’s ‘dirty’ hit on Jordan Love, which forced Love to leave the game. Long also accurately noted how Booker ‘pile drived’ Love earlier in the game,” Woelfel posted on X.
